National Register Listing

Dahlonega Courthouse Gold Museum

a.k.a. Old Lumpkin County Courthouse

U.S. 19, Dahlonega, GA
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
The city of Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, and it was the first time that a bomb exploded at the Olympic Games, killing two people and injuring over 100 others.
Georgia random facts
Lumpkin County, located in the northeastern part of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek nations, who lived off the land through farming and hunting.

In the early 19th century, white settlers began to move into the area, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the discovery of gold. Lumpkin County was officially created in 1832, named after Wilson Lumpkin, a former governor of Georgia. The discovery of gold in the region led to a gold rush, with miners flocking to the area in search of fortune. Dahlonega, the county seat, became a bustling mining town and the site of the first major gold rush in US history.

The gold rush and the subsequent establishment of mining operations brought significant economic growth and population influx to Lumpkin County. However, with the decline of gold mining in the late 19th century, the region gradually shifted focus to other industries such as agriculture and forestry. Timber and textile mills were established, providing employment opportunities for the local community.

In the 20th century, Lumpkin County underwent further development and modernization. The construction of the Lake Lanier reservoir in the 1950s brought new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Today, Lumpkin County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic downtown area. It continues to attract tourists with its rich history, charming mountain towns, and the legacy of the gold rush era.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lumpkin County, Georgia.

  • 1832 - Lumpkin County is established
  • 1836 - Dahlonega, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1838 - Gold is discovered in Dahlonega, sparking a gold rush
  • 1849 - The Georgia Gold Rush comes to an end
  • 1851 - Consolidated Gold Mine is established
  • 1860 - Lumpkin County's population reaches its peak
  • 1861 - Lumpkin County residents support the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1865 - Union troops occupy Lumpkin County after the end of the Civil War
  • 1875 - North Georgia Agricultural College is founded in Dahlonega
  • 1905 - Consolidated Gold Mine closes due to declining gold production
  • 1978 - Amicalola Falls State Park is established
  • 1996 - The 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay passes through Lumpkin County